Scotland announces plans for a phased return to school

The Scottish Government has said that there will be a phased return to school, with children in early learning and childcare and in primaries 1-3 scheduled to make a full return to nurseries and schools from 22 February, providing sufficient progress in tackling the virus has been made.

In addition, very limited numbers of pupils in S4-6 will also be able to complete in-school practical work that is essential for completing national qualifications on a part-time basis from the same date

Some children and young people with significant additional support needs will also be prioritised for a return to in-person provision, for those most urgently in need of support.

All other pupils, with the exception of vulnerable children and those of key workers, will continue with remote learning.

The Scottish Government has also said that there will be a significant expansion of testing. People who work in schools, early learning and childcare settings attached to schools, and senior phase pupils, will be offered at-home testing two times a week.

These decisions will be confirmed on Tuesday 16 February - providing sufficient progress in tackling the virus has been made.